New York, NY — After almost a year of making headlines, the lawsuit filed against Habakkuk Music, Inc ended when New York District Judge, George B. Daniels dismissed the suit. The lawsuit which was filed by Isaiah D. Thomas and Global Gospel Music against Habakkuk Music, Inc. and April Washington-Essex last March was dismissed on December 6, 2010 for “lack of personal and subject matter jurisdiction.”

Habakkuk Music, Inc. has worked out an agreement with Global Gospel Music Group, LLC and Isaiah D. Thomas to release him from his recording obligations and to grant Global Gospel the rights to record and distribute his music.

Habakkuk Music, Inc., CEO, April Washington-Essex, said “I’m thankful for the excellent council of my attorney, Mark Frey and the legal team of Serling, Rooks, Ferrara, LLC. As a growing company it is important for us to protect the integrity and credibility of Habakkuk Music. I wish the best for Isaiah Thomas and Global Gospel Music.”

About Habakkuk Music

Habakkuk Music, Inc., an independent gospel music recording label, which launched in September 2008, has a formidable distribution agreement with Universal Music/Fontana Distribution, which includes retail distribution in the United States, Canada and digital worldwide. Other artists on the label include 2009 Stellar Award Winner Jessica Greene, Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee & Jubilation, Lisa Page-Brooks, James Grear & Company, Kevin Levar & One Sound, Papa San, Debra Ashley, Gail Holmes and more announcements coming soon!

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Tyler is back with another movie featuring and starring Madea.  The trailer has some funny moments.  The movie hits theaters April 22, 2011.  I’m guessing Idris Alba won’t be watching it!  He recently criticized Perry for buffoonish characters.  You can check that story out here. 

Synopsis: Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It’s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter… and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.

ALSO READ: Actor Idris Elba Critiques Tyler Perry: ‘I’m Not With Buffoonish Characters Like Madea Or Big Momma’

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Actor Idris Elba was recently selected as the spotlight artist at Rutgers University.  Elba was the guest speaker at the event called “Artist Spotlight.”

The event took place at the Paul Robeson Center of Rutgers University’s Newark campus. Moderated by Ms. Baraka Sele, the current Assistant Vice President of Programming of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Elba spoke on a number of relevant issues.  Two comments stuck out and are being analyzed by movie-goers.

On the Golden Globes and this year’s Oscars

“Halle Berry and I were the only two black actors nominated for this year’s Golden Globes (Idris for Luther and Halle for Frankie & Alice). The Oscars aren’t designed for us…let’s focus on making more films.”

On the Spike Lee vs. Tyler Perry Feud

“Can I be candid?” he asks before turning to face the audience directly. “I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for “Daddy’s Little Girls” because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”

So what are your opinions?  To Read What Spike said about Tyler and Tyler’s response CLICK HERE.

ALSO READ: NEW TYLER PERRY MOVIE: Watch Trailer for “Madea’s Big Happy Family”

Houston, TX — Multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee and Stellar Award winner Vanessa Bell Armstrong today signed an exclusive recording and co-management agreement with Music World Gospel. Armstrong will be co-managed by Clive Ennis of CAnthony Entertainment.

“It has been a wonderful journey,” said Vanessa Bell Armstrong. “I am so happy to have a new home with Music World Gospel. I am excited about working with my new team.”

Since her 1983 debut solo recording, Peace Be Still, Armstrong has had a string of number one hit songs. She has recorded 15 critically-acclaimed and award-winning albums that include a mixture of traditional and contemporary gospel, praise and worship songs, greatest hits and “best of” packages. Throughout her career, she has worked and collaborated with numerous artists, including Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Winans, The Winans, John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir, among others. During the late 1980s, Armstrong had success as an R&B recording artist.

Her self-titled 1987 album from Jive Records featured the Billboard charting hit “You Bring Out The Best In Me,” as well as the club favorite “Pressing On.” Her other career highlights include her 1987 Broadway debut at the Longacre Theatre, co-starring in Don’t Get God Started with Giancarlo Esposito, BeBe Winans and  Chip Fields, among others. In 1989, Armstrong had a cameo role in Oprah Winfrey’s ABC miniseries, The Women of Brewster Place. She also recorded “Shine On Me,” the theme song for the NBC hit series Amen. In 2011, at the 26th Annual Stellar Music Awards, Armstrong was presented with the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award.

Armstrong, who President Barack Obama has said is one of his favorite gospel artists, has a one-of-a kind gospel style and signature sound that is a perfect fit for Music World Gospel. “Vanessa Bell Armstrong is an extraordinary talent with an extraordinary gift,” said Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. “We are honored that she chose Music World Gospel as her new home. She is one of the best vocalists of our time. She has influenced a generation of singers in various music genres. We look forward to continuing to build on her rich musical legacy.” 

“Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s journey is a source of encouragement to many,” said Clive Ennis, founder and CEO of CAnthony Entertainment. “She has flourished in several areas of entertainment throughout her remarkable career, making her one of the gospel greats of today. It is truly a privilege to work with such an exceptional individual and we are honored and excited about our new joint venture with Music World Gospel.” 

Armstrong was born in Detroit, Michigan and currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Richmond, VA — GI is back! Gospel’s Gentlemen have recently celebrated signing with Infinity Music/Central South Distribution, home to labels such as Reach Records (Lecrae) and Cajo International (Canton Jones). They are gearing up for their Sophomore Album Release this summer.

“We are ecstatic to partner with a company possessing such rich history, success, and knowledge of the business. To work alongside music industry moguls Vicki Mack Lataillade and Rick Greene, I am truly humbled. To God be the glory,” says Branden Anderson-Pres/CEO BGA Records.

“We at INFINITY Music / Central South are excited to be involved with the distribution of GI’s Sophomore release. The GI’s have a sound that will compliment the genres of music that INFINITY & Central South already have success with. INFINITY / Central South will be able to share the sound & music of the GI’s that has the appeal to both the CBA & Gospel markets…It’s like finding a piece of a puzzle you’ve been working on for so long that you couldn’t find – then “poof” – the piece just falls into place…It’s like that: The GI’s just fall into place with our family of labels & artists.” ~Rick Greene of INFINITY MUSIC

GI’s New Album “The Next Dimension” is due in Stores July 5, 2011.  Check out our 2009 interview with the G.I. below.

Okay so I’m not even going to lie! This was the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Stellar Award winning artist Byron Cage was prank called by Nephew Tommie from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. They called Mr. Cage explaining that there was a mix-up in the Stellar Awards voting process which caused a mis-count in the votes, further explaining that Marvin Sapp was the official winner of the Male Vocalist of the Year.

When the prank caller threatened to come to Cage’s house uninvited, Byron Cage went off! He is truly a Christian for arguing with the man without cursing. The funniest thing to me came toward the end when Byron Cage can be heard saying, “Church dudes man we don’t get down like that.”  “We love the Lord, but the Lord will forgive us!”

The Gospel Music Association is partnering with Christian Copyright Licensing International and PraiseHymn Sound Tracks to provide a chance for churches of all denominations and cultures to send in a version of their church choir singing “How Great Is Our God,” the no. 1 church song in the nation the past several years. 

As a result, selected choir entries will then be compiled into a collage of the song to be presented throughout The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards broadcast on April 24, 2011 on GMC at 7:00p.m. EST. Additionally, choir submissions will also enter a random drawing for three iPads and hundreds of dollars worth of iTunes gift cards. The Campaign, will hand out the awards on Wednesday, April 20th at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets for the 42nd Annual Dove Awards are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at the Fox Theatre’s box office.

Howard Rachinski, President/CEO of CCLI and GMA Board member says, “It is a real privilege for CCLI to be partnering with the GMA in the Dove Awards celebration of church choirs. This exciting campaign is a befitting tribute to our rich heritage of song, as evidenced in hundreds of thousands of churches every week across our nation.

Jackie Pattilo, GMA Board member says, “The heart and soul of the Gospel music industry is directly rooted in, and derived from, the songs that are birthed in our churches. We are delighted to express our appreciation to churches everywhere with this special celebration.”

The landing page for church choirs to submit their video is http://www.ccli.com/CCLITV/dove/?. Submissions must be made by March 21st.

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Ted Williams – The Man With The Golden Voice Ted Williams recently landed his own reality show, now he’s setting his sights on taking the music world by storm. The formerly homeless Williams is releasing a song called “A Survivor’s Prayer” through digital outlets.

“A Survivor’s Prayer,” which premiered on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, features Williams delivering a spoken prayer over a track produced by studio musicians Dan Green, Danny Hargrove and Dean Francis from Columbus, OH.

Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, reality TV star has received her preacher’s license and has begun teaching the word of God at the Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

“Sunday was a very special day for me in terms of my ministry and spiritual growth,” the one-named TV talent told blackvoices’ Jawn Murray. “God is in control and I’m moving in divine direction!”

The 37-year-old former contestant on “The Apprentice” has been a member of the church for two years and is loving it.

“I love my church! It’s a small little church, but God is doing big things,” she shared.